Welcoming
Welcoming is how we show kindness, acceptance, and hospitality to everyone - guests and members alike. People catch glimpses of Christ through their encounters with us. In a nation that's becoming more unchurched all the time, we need to ensure that seekers encounter in us a Christ that they want to know better. Your welcoming efforts play a vital role in living the promise of "Open hearts." with the seekers coming to your church as a result of the national United Methodist advertising. Looking within, we all need to place ourselves in the footsteps of a visitor to find welcoming barriers. Exercises such as Mystery Guest Audit and Walk-Thru Assessment can help you discover and address all kinds of physical and perception barriers. Stepping into your community can be as simple as rethinking church and creating a presence through a door hanger campaign, direct mail, or a radio PSA. How about classified ads (yes, there are "Open Hearts" classified ads). If you would like to have a television presence (yourself, or maybe in partnership with other local UM churches), our Matching Media Grant program might be able to help you double your budget! Open HouseAn Open House is an opportunity to emulate Jesus' welcoming spirit with a special emphasis on inviting and welcoming newcomers. CertificationGet recognized for your welcoming efforts! Be part of an elite group of churches who have become certified as Welcoming Congregations.
TrainingThe real test of our advertising happens when seekers encounter “The people of The United Methodist Church.” Are you ready?
Small ChurchMost of the welcoming resources and training offered have been developed with the small church in mind -- easy downloads, free graphics, low-cost study guides, and no-budget ideas. |
